Introduction

The Bolshoi Ballet—renowned as one of the world’s three great ballet companies, with a history of over 240 years—will come to Japan in November of 2020. For the past six decades, the Bolshoi Ballet has had a close connection with Japan, where its performances have moved and delighted people of all ages in every era.

On this, its first tour of Japan in three years, the Bolshoi Ballet will perform three great ballets which fully convey the spirit and strength of the Bolshoi Ballet’s “new era”: the timeless masterpiece “Swan Lake”; “Spartacus,” a Bolshoi favorite that captivates audiences with its powerful music and vibrant, dynamic choreography; and an opulent special production called “Bolshoi Premium Edition,” showcasing star dancers at the height of their powers.

With a magnificent array of renowned ballet stars and up-and-coming dancers, we are proud to present the new golden age of the Bolshoi Ballet!

This Bolshoi Ballet Japan tour—with a total of 230 tour members including the Bolshoi Theatre’s world-famous dancers, the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, stage staff and more—is not to be missed!

Spartacus

Music by Aram Khachaturyan

Ballet in three acts

Libretto by Yuri Grigorovich

after the novel of the same name by Raffaello Giovagnolli,ideas from the scenario by Nikolai Volkov used

Story

Highlights

When he was a dancer at the Kirov Theatre, Yuri Grigorovich performed the role of the gladiator in the Yakobson version of “Spartacus,” which featured free dancing and pantomime. In 1968, Grigorovich created his own version of “Spartacus”—his fourth original production.

Created in a more dance-like, classical ballet style, this version featured powerful ensemble dances by the male dancers, in addition to the dynamic solos of Spartacus and Crassus. It achieved great popularity and success, and became one of the representative Soviet ballets.

This work features impressive, profound psychological depiction perfectly integrated with the soloists’ monologue dances; captivating, alluring dancing by Aegina (Crassus’s concubine) and beautiful, lyrical solos by Spartacus and his wife, Phrygia. This is a truly heroic tale featuring dizzying dance scenes packed with unforgettable moments.

Swan Lake

Music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Libretto by Yuri Grigorovich

Ballet in two acts

Story

Highlights

The Grigorovich version of “Swan Lake” premiered in 1969, and was removed from the company’s repertoire after Grigorovich left the Bolshoi in 1995. In 2001, amid a Grigorovich reappraisal, it was revised and performed once again, becoming the definitive Bolshoi production.

This is not the conventional fairy tale. The psychological world of the protagonist, Siegfried, is depicted in a Romantic style: the evil sorcerer is Siegfried’s fate, his hidden alter ego, while Odette is his idealized fantasy of pure love.

While inheriting the choreography of predecessors Petipa, Ivanov and Gorsky, this production transformed the character dances in a classical ballet style and changed pantomimes to dances; increased the dance scenes between the prince and the evil sorcerer; and superbly portrayed the inner world of a protagonist tossed about by fate. The result was a great masterpiece.

Ekaterina Krysanova(11/28“Swan Lake”)

A pillar of today’s Bolshoi Ballet, Krysanova is truly a star dancer at the height of her powers. Her warm personality, beloved by fellow dancers and staff in the company, naturally comes across on the stage. Her expressive and eloquent dancing, bolstered by her solid technique, is sure to delight and thrill everyone in the audience. This wonderful ballerina makes us want to shout, “Welcome home!”

Anna Nikulina(11/26“Spartacus”, 12/1 13：00“Swan Lake”)

Amazingly powerful emotion is produced by this charmingly lovely ballerina--a truly dramatic dancer. Handed down from the celebrated ballerina Ekaterina Maximova, the role of Phrygia in the Bolshoi’s great ballet “Spartacus” is synonymous with the name Nikulina. In “Swan Lake,” with the new principal Belyakov as partner, Nikulina is certain to give a magnificent performance as an experienced principal dancer. Not to be missed!

Olga Smirnova(11/27“Spartacus”, 11/29 19：00“Swan Lake”)

Over the past three years, Smirnova has matured beautifully from a vivacious young dancer into a sought-after star dancer on the world’s great stages. From the luminous princess of Swan Lake to a bewitchingly wicked woman, this tour will showcase her outstanding abilities as a storyteller! Don’t miss Smirnova’s outstanding performances on this tour!

The reigning superstar of the ballet world. It would be no exaggeration to say that a dancer like Zakharova comes along once in 100 years. Her always sold-out performances bring waves of fans who come to see the transcendent dancing that emanates from her miraculous form. Everyone living in this era should experience Zakharova’s artistry at least once. Her “Swan Lake” promises to be legendary, as well as her first performance in Japan as Aegina in “Spartacus,” and the first-ever Bolshoi Ballet Gala produced by Zakharova. Once again, her performances are not to be missed.

Alyona Kovalyova(11/29 13:00“Swan Lake”)

A new star ballerina appeared in the Bolshoi Japan tour three years ago. Her performance as Myrtha in “Giselle” and Three Swans in “Swan Lake” captured the attention of many ballet fans. On this tour, Kovalyova comes to Japan having already risen to the position of leading soloist. Quickly mastering lead roles in numerous ballets, she has achieved great success in Russia and other countries including the United States and Great Britain. She’s sure to create “Kovalyova fever” in Japan, too!

Maria Vinogradova(11/27“Spartacus”)

Artemy Belyakov(11/26“Spartacus”, 12/1 13：00“Swan Lake”)

A remarkable young principal who has matured with amazing speed. Even as a member of the corps de ballet, he showed glimpses of his radiant talent. Having ascended to the position of principal, he is making his long-awaited debut in Japan. This handsome dancer, whose presence combines sharpness and gentleness, will surely embody the bright future of the eternal Bolshoi Ballet! We hope many ballet fans have a chance to witness his outstanding talent.

Semyon Chudin(11/29 19：00“Swan Lake”)

A world-famous danseur noble of the Bolshoi Ballet. A lightness of movement that never shows a hint of ponderousness, precise technique, heart-stopping, emotional dancing, graceful stage manner… There is not enough space here to enumerate his rare qualities. Once you see him dance, you’ll be a fan for life! Chudin’s magic makes the entire theatre happy.

Vladislav Lantratov(11/27“Spartacus”)

It’s already been several years since he came to Japan as a young principal, and now he’s a magnificent leading principal of the Bolshoi Ballet. An ideal embodiment of ballet, he makes us think, “This is what a ballet dancer should be!” In a variety of roles, from idealized princes to roles in contemporary ballets, he is currently displaying his inherent charisma to the fullest. On this tour he shows a new facet as the villain Crassus in “Spartacus,” a role which has earned a great deal of attention.

Denis Rodkin(11/26“Spartacus”, 12/1 19：00“Swan Lake”)

A talented principal currently reaching the height of his powers. In his partnership with queen Zakharova, he has further polished his artistry and greatly expanded his repertoire. In addition to the beauty of his dancing, his wonderful character development in the works of the great Grigorovich shows consummate skill derived from his profound interpretation of roles. His heart-stopping performances are sure to be once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

Jacopo Tissi(11/29 13：00“Swan Lake”)

In 2017, Tissi came to the Bolshoi from La Sala in Milan. On this tour, this high-profile newcomer will make his real debut performing a lead role in a full-length ballet. With a physique that might be mistaken for a sculpture, he gives off a divine radiance on the stage—and when he starts to dance, his charisma is unstoppable. Tissi’s starring debut, with its mesmerizing magic, will surely be a history-making performance.

Igor Tsvirko(11/27“Spartacus”)

This unique and original dancer, who adds spice and flair to the Bolshoi’s productions, is an indispensable presence in today’s Bolshoi Ballet.

Osaka

Attention

Please note the following before purchasing tickets.

The above dancers are the Japan tour members as of January 24, 2020. The cast may change due to illness, injury, or other unavoidable circumstances. The final cast will be announced on the day of each performance.

Please be aware in advance that purchased tickets cannot be canceled or changed except in the case of cancellation of the performance. However, for the performances of “Spartacus” on Thursday, November 26 at 18:30, “Swan Lake” on Tuesday, December 1 at 19:00, and “Bolshoi Premium Edition” on Sunday, December 6 at 17:00, the difference in ticket price between these performances and the other performances of the same ballets will be refunded only in the case that Ms. Zakharova does not perform. If you do not find these conditions satisfactory, please purchase tickets on the day of the performance. (Same-day tickets will not be sold if tickets are sold out in advance.) Tikets will not be reissued under any circumstances. Please take care not to lose your tickets.

Latecomers will be asked to wait a long interval before entering. Please arrive in plenty of time.

One ticket per person is required for admission. Children 3 years old and under will not be admitted.

All seats are reserved. Please be seated in the seat shown on your ticket.

Sound and video recording and use of mobile phones are strictly prohibited in the theatre.

Resale of tickets on internet auction sites and so on is not permitted.

Some seats do not have a view of the entire stage.

The presenters reserve the right to ask persons who disturb others to leave the venue.

Presented by: TV Asahi / Asahi Shimbun / Japan Arts

Supported by: The Embassy of the Russian Federation to Japan, Agency for Exchange of the Russian Federation [Rossotrudnichestvo]

With the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture of Russia, Russian Cultural Festival Organization Committee